Show Your School Spirit at Homecoming and Family Weekend

BRISTOL, R.I. – Fire up your RWU pride for a spirited weekend celebration as the entire University community welcomes alumni and families to fête all things RWU. Homecoming and Family Weekend kicks off Friday, Oct. 25, and runs through Sunday, Oct. 27.

Opportunities to show your school spirit abound with a chance to cheer on winter sports teams at the Midnight Madness pep rally, or celebrate the coronation of this year’s Homecoming king and queen. And aside from the opportunity to reconnect with classmates and friends, alumni programming will include the 3rd Annual Alumni Leadership Conference, an Alumni and Intercultural Center Diversity Panel Discussion and alumni athletics events, among other events.

From theatre performances to walking tours of the campus and downtown Bristol, custom workshops and a Sunday President’s Jazz Brunch, Homecoming and Family Weekend offers something for everyone.

A full schedule of events will be available at the registration and information table in the Campus Recreation Center on Friday, Oct. 25, from 6 to 9 p.m.; and on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Here is a sampling of what’s in store:

Friday, October 25

Bench Dedication for Gloria McMurrough
Join the University community to celebrate Gloria McMurrough’s 38 years of service to the University and the Office of Admission.When: 4:00 p.m.Location: Green between Admissions Building and the Commons

Alumni and Intercultural Center Diversity Panel Discussion
The Office of Alumni Relations and the Intercultural Center will host a discussion on diversity and inclusive excellence at Roger Williams University. This panel will share new initiatives and opportunities for student engagement and activism on campus.When: 6:00 p.m. Location: Global Heritage Hall Building, Room GHH 108

Stage Company One Act Festival
The RWU Stage Company performs “The Game” by Louise Bryant and “Helena’s Husband” by Philip Molleur. Tickets are $5 for general admission and $3 for students, and can be purchased at (401) 254-3666.When: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.Location: Performing Arts Center (The Barn)

Casino Night
Enjoy the excitement and the feel of a real casino at Casino Night – without the worries of losing it all! Sit down at one of the many gaming tables – blackjack, roulette, Caribbean poker – or “go all in” at Texas hold ’em.When: 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.Location: Campus Recreation Center Fieldhouse

Honors Brunch
A brunch held for the alumni and students of the University Honors Program and parents of students in the program. No tickets or registration is required.When: 9:30 a.m.Location: Stonewall Terrace, Lower Level of Building Four

Homecoming Family Workshop: The First 100 Days
There are many changes that students experience when they begin college. This program, especially designed for parents of first-year students, explores the various psychological, social and intellectual challenges that take place during the first semester of college. Presented by the Center for Counseling and Student Development.When: 10:00 a.m.Location: Global Heritage Hall, Room G05

Homecoming 5K Race
Join the RWU Cross Country team in the 2nd Annual Homecoming 5K Race. This on-campus race is open to all parents, students, alumni, faculty and staff – and prizes will be awarded! Register on race day at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Campus Recreation center.When: 10:30 a.m.Location: Race starts in front of the Campus Recreation Center

Homecoming Family Workshop: Co-Ops and Internships
To be competitive for employment and graduate school admittance, it is vital to get hands-on experience to enhance classroom learning. Hear a panel of RWU students share their internship experiences. Find out what they learned about the world of work, their chosen professions, and themselves.When: 11:00 a.m.Location:Global Heritage Hall, Room G05

Homecoming Family Workshop: Roger Williams: The Man, The University
Dean of University Libraries Peter Deekle will draw upon the institution’s archival histories concerning the founding of the University and the life and work of our namesake, Roger Williams. A short video will highlight images from the University’s past. A small gift will also be given to all in attendance.When: 11:00 a.m. Location: Global Heritage Hall, Room G01

Autumn Lunch for Alumni and Alumni Athletes
All alumni are invited to lunch under the Alumni Tent on the Commons Quad. Tickets must be purchased.When: 11:30 am to 1:30 p.m.Location: Alumni Tent on Commons Quad

Open Kayaking
Kayaks will be open depending on the weather and on a first come, first serve basis. It is recommended that parties participating in waterfront activities wear clothing and shoes that can get wet; each should bring a rain jacket. Also, it is recommended that participants bring a towel and change of clothes.When: Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.Location: Waterfront

Career Center Open House
Meet the staff of the Career Center and tour the farmhouse. Take a break to relax and get warm by enjoying beverages in front of the fireplace.When: 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.Location: Career Center

King and Queen Coronation
Share in the tradition of crowning the Homecoming King and Queen to kick off Autumn Fest.When: 1:00 p.m.Location: Commons Quad

Autumn Fest
Activities will include pumpkin painting and carving, live performances and other activities for students, alumni and their families. There will be candy apples and other tasty treats to snack on. Live music and dance performances will take place throughout the event.When: 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.Location: Commons Quad

St. Baldrick’s Day
To help the Inter-Class Council in their fundraising efforts to conquer childhood cancer, RWU volunteers shave their heads in solidarity with kids fighting cancer – and family and friends give generously. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation uses the donations to fund more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the United States government. Last year, RWU raised $19,500. Come and watch this heartwarming event; hair cutting services sponsored by Hair, Heart and Soul in Bristol.When: 1:00 p.m. Location: Commons Quad

Tours of Bristol
Sure, you know a lot about RWU, but what about Bristol? The Downtown Bristol Merchants Association will teach you more about the wonderful things happening within our community. Tours depart from the Admissions Parking Lot.When: 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.Location: Admissions Parking Lot

Third Annual Alumni Leadership Conference: The Power of Community
The Roger Williams Alumni Association (RWAA) will hold an afternoon of exploration and discovery focused on how the University is addressing Affordable Excellence in support of student learning and success at RWU. Hear about key initiatives from deans, faculty and students, and find out how alumni can get involved. Registration is requiredWhen: 2:00 p.m.Location: Global Heritage Hall, Room 206

All Alumni Reception
Reconnect with old friends and build new relationships at the Lobster Pot in downtown Bristol. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served.When: 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.Location: Lobster Pot Restaurant, 119 Hope Street, Bristol

Athletics Hall of Fame Dinner
The RWU Athletics Hall of Fame will induct five former student-athletes, one entire team and an administrator in the 2nd Annual Induction Class. Tickets for RWU alumni are $25; $35 for non-alumni guests. Register online here or call the Athletics Office at 401-254-3050.Reception is 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. in the Campus Recreation Center Hawks Nest and first floor lobbyDinner is 7 to 8:45 p.m. in the second floor gymnasium

Stage Company One Act Festival
The RWU Stage Company performs “The Game” by Louise Bryant and “Helena’s Husband” by Philip Molleur. Tickets are $5 for general admission and $3 for students and seniors, and can be purchased through the box office at (401) 254-3666.When: 7:30 p.m.Location: Performing Arts Center (The Barn)

Alumni Wrestle Off
Join alumni wrestlers and their families as they watch the 2013-14 wrestling team compete in an intra- squad scrimmage in the field house.When: 10:00 a.m.Location: Campus Recreation Center Gymnasium

Open Kayaking
Kayaks will be open depending on the weather and on a first come, first serve basis. It is recommended that parties participating in waterfront activities wear clothing and shoes that can get wet; each should bring a rain jacket. Also, it is recommended that participants bring a towel and change of clothes.When: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.Location: Waterfront